Jimmy Bullard becomes first star to leave I’m a Celeb jungle

Jimmy Bullard became the first star to be booted out of the I'm a Celeb jungle

The former footballer was favourite to win the hit jungle-based show thanks to his sense of humour and cheeky personality.

However his “banter” with X Factor finalist Jake Quickenden seems to have backfired as he was voted out ahead of Melanie Sykes, Tinchy Stryder and Foggy.

After Ant and Dec announced the results, Jimmy admitted he was a little “surprised” and “gutted” to be booted out first.

Jimmy’s popularity dwindled thanks to an explosive row with Jake, in which Jimmy hurled insults and swear words at the 26-year-old.

Fans of the jungle-based reality TV show were quick to take to social media in criticism of the Wigan Athletic star, with some even calling him a “bully.”

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Jimmy insisted his comments about Jake were simply “banter”

I would love to see Fog win it because he was my first closest in there or Jake – it would be great for him

Jimmy Bullard

He told Jake: “You weren’t [entertaining] on The X Factor, that’s for sure. I thought you had a bit about you, but the more I’m getting to know you, the more I’m just thinking, ‘What the f*** is this prick doing in here? What’s he offering?’ Why the f*** are you in here? What are you? What sort of skill have you got? What the f*** have you done? Picked a mic up?”

But Jimmy brushed his comments off as “banter” and insisted he didn’t think it was “too much.”

He said: “I didn’t think it was too much – it was banter.

“I let them [Foggy and Jake] have it full blast.”

Determined to continue his “bromance” with Foggy and Jake the camp jester continued: “I would love to see Fog win it because he was my first closest in there or Jake – it would be great for him.”

Before describing his time in the jungle as “the closest to a changing room I have been in three years.”

Viewers took to Twitter tonight to express their shock at the surprise eviction.

Television presenter Andi Peters wrote:” Looks like the ‘banter’ cost him the series, unlucky Jimmy I thought you would win,” while Katie Hopkins wrote: “Now we have a tortuous week without comedy in the camp.”

Bookmakers Paddy Power named rapper Tinchy Stryder as favourite to leave the show at 1/3.

Now all the celebs face the public vote to get the chop from the jungle.